Elucidation of the novel regulatory mechanism of mitochondrial function by fatty acids and its application to prevention and treatment of lifestyle-related diseases

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21H03371
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 59040:Nutrition science and health science-related
• Research Institution: University of Tsukuba
• Principal Investigator: Matsuzaka Takashi 筑波大学, 医学医療系, 教授 (70400679)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 大野 博 筑波大学, 医学医療系, 助教 (20847909)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 脂肪酸 / ミトコンドリア / 肝臓 / 脂肪組織

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Deletion of Elovl6 in the liver of ob/ob mice, a mouse model of obesity, increased numerous molecular species of cardiolipin, a mitochondria-specific phospholipid, and improved liver mitochondrial morphology and function. In addition, β3-adrenergic receptor stimulation increased Elovl6 expression in brown and beige adipocytes and altered the fatty acid composition of mitochondrial phospholipids. Elovl6 knockout mice had reduced mitochondrial function in brown adipose tissue, and as a compensatory mechanism, beige adipocytes were activated by enhancing UCP1-independent heat production via creatine biosynthesis pathway.

Free Research Field

脂質生物学、代謝学、内分泌学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究で得られた成果を元にElovl6による新規ミトコンドリア機能制御機構をさらに解明することができれば、肥満、非アルコール性脂肪性肝疾患（NAFLD）、2型糖尿病をはじめとした生活習慣病の新しい分子病態の解明や、ミトコンドリアの機能低下やカルジオリピンの減少によって引き起こされる疾患の新規予防法・治療法の開発への応用が期待される。